Pizza Tot Casserole: A Beginner’s Guide to Comfort Food Heaven

Why Make This Recipe

Pizza Tot Casserole is the perfect dish for anyone looking for an easy and satisfying meal that combines the best of pizza and comfort food. This casserole is great for families, parties, or even a cozy night in. It’s flavorful, filling, and can be customized to include your favorite pizza toppings. Plus, it is easy to make and fun to serve!

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How to Make Pizza Tot Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• Optional Toppings: pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, green onions, mushrooms

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is properly calibrated for accurate baking. An oven thermometer can be helpful.
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish. Greasing the dish will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the ground beef with a spoon as it cooks. Draining any excess grease is important – this will prevent the casserole from being too greasy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked beef and onions from the skillet, leaving any excess grease behind.
4. Add the marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet (or you can add the beef and onion mixture back to the skillet). Stir to combine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.
5. Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the beef mixture is spread in an even layer so that every bite has the same amount of filling. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture. This layer of cheese will help to hold the tater tots in place and create a cheesy base.
6. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture. Try to arrange the tater tots in a way that covers as much of the beef mixture as possible. You can arrange them in neat rows or scatter them randomly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top of the tater tots. This layer of cheese will melt and become bubbly, creating a delicious topping.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the baking time to prevent the tater tots from burning. The edges of the tater tots should be nicely browned.
8. If desired, add mini pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, or any other pizza toppings over the casserole. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until toppings are heated through. Adding toppings during the last few minutes of baking will prevent them from becoming overcooked or burnt.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Letting the casserole cool slightly will make it easier to serve and prevent it from being too hot. It also allows the cheese to set slightly. Enjoy your pizza-flavored comfort casserole!

How to Serve Pizza Tot Casserole

Serve Pizza Tot Casserole hot from the oven. It’s great on its own or with a side salad. Use a spatula to scoop out portions. You can add extra toppings like fresh basil or chili flakes on each plate for added flavor.

How to Store Pizza Tot Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat portions in the microwave or oven until hot.

Tips to Make Pizza Tot Casserole

• Make sure to drain the grease from the ground beef to keep the casserole from being too oily.
• Customize the toppings based on your favorite pizza styles.
• For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or crushed red pepper to the beef mixture.
• Swap out beef for turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version by using mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach instead of ground beef. Substitute the meat with plant-based crumbles for a similar texture without meat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

Yes, you can slice fresh potatoes into bite-sized pieces, season them, and bake them in the casserole, but this will change the cooking time.

Can I freeze Pizza Tot Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use cheddar, pepper jack, or any cheese you prefer to change the flavor of the casserole.

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